Site Card Test
Course menuHS&E SAF

Exams / HS&E SAF / Isolation and permits

Isolation and permits questions for the Services and facilities maintenance (SAF) specialist test

5 free questions on Isolation and permits, from section E. Specialist: HVACE – services and facilities maintenance. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

Practice Isolation and permitsTake the free practice exam

Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are about to service a pump set in a building's plant room.

What must happen first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Ask a colleague to watch the switch
  2. B. Stop the plant and isolate the power
  3. C. Work on it while it runs slowly
  4. D. Switch it off at the remote panel only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Isolate the supply.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says ensure moving plant has stopped and isolate electrical and other power supplies.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Stop and isolate it first.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Isolate the supply.

Explanation

Stop and isolate plant before maintenance.

Study

Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

The isolator for a chiller is in a different room from where you will work.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Hope nobody goes in there
  2. B. Take the room key home
  3. C. Lock it off
  4. D. Leave a note on the switch
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Lock it off.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Lock off the isolator itself.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says lock off machines if there is a chance the power could be accidentally switched back on.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A note won't stop someone.

Explanation

Lock off isolators that someone could switch back on.

Study

Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You are maintaining a hydraulic system and a compressed air system in a plant room.

What does HSE say about stored energy?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Leave it, as the power is off
  2. B. Top it up before you start
  3. C. Only worry about the electricity, as pressure is harmless
  4. D. Release it before work starts
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Stored energy can still move things.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That adds energy.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Stored pressure is a hazard too.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says release any stored energy, such as compressed air or hydraulic pressure, that could cause the machine to move or cycle.

Explanation

Release stored energy, such as compressed air or hydraulic pressure, before maintenance.

Study

Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You manage maintenance in a hospital, where some jobs are high risk.

What does HSE say may be needed?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A permit to work
  2. B. Nothing beyond the usual chat
  3. C. Doing the work at night only
  4. D. A sign saying "men at work"
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says formal systems such as a permit to work are needed in some cases for high-risk maintenance.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. High-risk work needs a formal system.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Timing doesn't control the risk.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A formal system is needed.

Explanation

High-risk maintenance may need a permit to work.

Study

Question 5

Easier ·Link to this question (question 5)

A facilities manager wants to save money by having a cleaner adjust plant settings.

What does HSE say about who does maintenance?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Any visitor who offers
  2. B. A competent person
  3. C. Whoever is cheapest that day
  4. D. Anyone with a set of keys
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Maintenance needs a competent person.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says ensure maintenance is carried out by a competent person.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Maintenance needs a competent person.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Maintenance needs a competent person.

Explanation

Maintenance must be done by a competent person.

Study

Study Isolation and permits

More E. Specialist: HVACE – services and facilities maintenance topics